USS Independence in Key West

Posted 12/12/2014

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air Station Key West. Independence is on the way to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. Independence is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship specifically designed to defeat "anti-access" threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos, naval air crewman)